Hayden Panettiere: CMT Artists Of The Year Special Host!

Hayden Panettiere heads on into the Grove for her appearance on EXTRA in Los Angeles on Wednesday afternoon (November 7).

The 23-year-old Nashville actress was just announced as host of the 2012 CMT Artists Of The Year special with Rascal Flatts.

“I am so happy to be embraced by the country community and to be included in such a big event, especially with Rascal Flatts. I can’t wait to see how the evening unfolds!” Hayden shared.

The 90-minute special, airing on December 8th, is the most exclusive gathering of country music superstars of the year and celebrates the class of 2012 with an evening of wall-to-wall performances and special appearances from others in the entertainment field.

10+ pics inside of Hayden Panettiere…